Story perspectives

Trump, Nigeria Celebrate Drone Kill of ISIS Director

5/19/2026

Summary

AFRICOM Kills ISIS

AFRICOM and Nigerian forces killed ISIS director Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a Specially Designated Global Terrorist since June 8, 2023, on May 16, 2026.
President Donald Trump announced the strike while President Bola Tinubu praised the partnership.
AFRICOM airstrikes on May 17, 2026 using MQ-9 drones and AC-130 gunships killed at least 20 ISWAP fighters with no U.S. or Nigerian personnel harmed.
Gen. Samaila Uba said the joint strikes will keep disrupting terrorist networks and denying safe havens.

Summary

Ribadu Secures Partnership

Nuhu Ribadu met Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, where Secure Nigeria said the talks cemented a U.S.–Nigeria partnership against West African terrorism.
Nigerians sparked a debate after the claim extremist leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was killed, recalling a 2024 report that he had been declared dead.
Analysts said intensified joint airstrikes followed the Washington engagement, showing the operations are part of a counter-terrorism strategy.

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AFRICOM Kills ISIS

AFRICOM and Nigerian forces killed ISIS director Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a Specially Designated Global Terrorist since June 8, 2023, on May 16, 2026.
President Donald Trump announced the strike while President Bola Tinubu praised the partnership.
AFRICOM airstrikes on May 17, 2026 using MQ-9 drones and AC-130 gunships killed at least 20 ISWAP fighters with no U.S. or Nigerian personnel harmed.
Gen. Samaila Uba said the joint strikes will keep disrupting terrorist networks and denying safe havens.

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